Sierra Leone Begins Grid Work for 108.4 MW NANT Power Plant

Sierra Leone has started grid work for the 108.4 MW NANT power plant under construction at Kissy in eastern Freetown. The project is expected to start supplying electricity in the third quarter of 2027 and will add significant generation capacity to a system with just over 140 MW currently available.

The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) carried out work from 12 to 14 August to prepare for the plant’s connection to the grid. As part of the work, EDSA is relocating the 33 kV Blackhall Road-Ropoti sub-transmission line, which currently crosses the project site. EDSA will convert the line into an underground cable, which will continue to connect the Blackhall Road and Ropoti substations.

NANT Plant Reaches Financial Close

CECA SL Generation is developing the combined-cycle power plant. The project reached financial close in November 2024. Its financing includes $292 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), $40 million from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, and $85 million in equity from TCQ Power and Anergi. The plant is expected to begin delivering electricity in the third quarter of 2027. Its 108.4 MW capacity would represent a substantial addition to Sierra Leone’s available generation.

Sierra Leone has around 271 MW of installed generation capacity, but just over 140 MW is effectively available, according to the country’s National Energy Compact. The gap highlights the difference between installed equipment and the capacity currently available to supply electricity.

Grid Capacity Becomes Important

Sierra Leone also plans to expand its electricity system by 2030. Under Mission 300, the country is targeting 1.12 GW of installed capacity, up from 271 MW. Authorities also expect electricity access to increase from 36% to 78%. Meeting those targets will require investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure alongside new generation. EDSA’s relocation of the Blackhall Road-Ropoti line will help prepare the network for the NANT plant. At 108.4 MW, NANT would add capacity equal to a large share of Sierra Leone’s current available generation. Its impact will also depend on the grid’s ability to receive and distribute the additional power.